Reform activities initiated by states in response to the National Commission on Excellence in Education's report tend to fall into five categories; teacher preparation and professional development, teacher certification, curriculum, instruction, and financing. The state initiatives are reviewed in this article. (MT)

The teacher of gifted students (G/T teacher) can use Invitational Theory to improve relations with regular classroom teachers. Through introspection, planned strategies, and practice, the G/T teacher can develop qualities and characteristics to promote a congenial professional atmosphere. (MM)

Surveys librarians in academic libraries to determine extent to which publishing is factor in obtaining tenure and/or promotion. Methodology, results of survey (faculty status, tenure, publishing as criterion for tenure and/or promotion, publishing as option), and comparison with Rayman and Goudy's study are discussed. Seven references are cited.…

Responds to some of the criticisms that have been directed to English education and suggests that the Conference on English Education, as part of the National Council of Teachers of English, directly involve itself with the preparation of English teachers. (HOD)

A practical model is described for increasing teacher participation in action research by developing necessary research skills, providing assistance, and encouraging and rewarding research activity. (DF)

Directs attention to crucial issues facing English teaching in Canada, among them teacher qualifications, the return to basics movement, and unqualified, tenured teachers who are reassigned to teach English from other subject areas. (CRH)

Explores some of the meanings of professionalization for early childhood educators, especially in relation to pedagogic authority and the knowledge base which determines teaching practice. (AS)

Hispanic women face problems in developing leadership or mentor relationships due to conflicts within their culture, conflicts with the majority culture, and educational/financial barriers. Without a faculty member to mentor the Hispanic female student, graduate study may be difficult or impossible to achieve. (DF)

Describes six ways an English supervisor or any other instructional leader can reach beyond the school system to learn about current practices in the field. (HOD)

Outlines aims of professional conferences and discusses conferences as learning experiences and change agents. Discussion of conference focuses on ways to improve conferencing activities, participant preparation, and conference planning and organization. Appendices contain outlines of objectives of a conference on teaching and learning and a…

Describes two teacher educators' experiences while exchanging a journal of dialog on their teaching. Discusses the language functions and themes that emerged in the journals, as well as the journals' future directions. (HTH)

Questions what is going on in the highest reaches of English composition research and the distance between theories of the composition process and actual classroom practice. (CRH)

Suggests that counselors could perform an effective service as adovcates for students being considered for special education services. Counselors must be able to determine if a student has been adequately assessed and should recognize the importance of professional development in this field. (JAC)

An already existing professional development structure composed of a steering committee on policy, curriculum coordinators, and building-level staff development associates enabled the Greenwich (Connecticut) Public Schools to plan and carry out staff development in computer literacy. Responsiveness and flexibility are key elements of the program.…

This issue focuses attention on research-based tools and professional development, illustrating how they come together in ways that support better teaching and improved learning. In the feature article, "Bringing the Picture of Classroom Instruction into Focus," author Jessica Johnson introduces a new classroom survey tool developed in…